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Curling, which can be likened to bowls on ice, is one of
the rarer New Zealand sports. It was introduced from Scotland
by gold miners who came to Otago in the early 1860s. During
the winters in the interior, which were sometimes severe,
sharp and continued spells of frosty weather put a temporary
check on mining, but provided ideal conditions for curling.
It is possible that improvised stones were used at first, but
soon there were genuine curling stones in the Maniototo
district, brought in by some enthusiasts. By 1873 three
curling clubs were in existence. They were formed in the
Naseby, St. Bathans, and Blackstone – Mount Ida – Upper
Manuherikia areas. In that year the New Zealand Province
became affiliated to the Royal Caledonian Curling Club of
Scotland, which still controls the game. Ten years later two
more clubs had been formed in Central Otago and in the
following seven years another three came into being. There
were no new clubs until 1934 when, from that year, the
increased number of motor cars and better roads brought
curling within the reach of many more people. By 1963 the New
Zealand Province incorporated 25 clubs, 23 in Otago and two
in Canterbury. Most of the 23 were in the Maniototo Plain,
but curling was also played at Idaburn, Oturehua, Alexandra,
and Lake Ida (Canterbury).

Each year, if conditions are favourable, there is one
bonspiel, as a meeting of the clubs is known, called when the
ice is right. It must be thick enough to hold the weight of
many players standing close together, and must be smooth.
Clubs usually have 10 members, so that two four-man rinks can
be entered in the bonspiel. The only equipment needed, apart
from warm clothes, are the heavy granite stones which are
propelled by hand across the ice, and brooms to sweep a path
in front of them. If a stone is to be kept moving, vigorous
sweeping melts the ice slightly, thus decreasing the friction
enough to achieve the desired result. The circle, into which
the stones are slid, is scratched in the ice with a 7 ft
slick. The tee, which is in the centre of the circle, need
only be a mark on the ice.

Curling stones, imported from Scotland, are carefully
shaped and smoothed pieces of granite fitted with a handle
which can be changed from top to bottom. The reason for this
is that the two sides are prepared differently for varying
ice conditions. The stones vary in weight, although an
average would be about 25 lb. If they are not broken they
will last for generations. By skilful propulsion and the use
of the natural imperfections, or bias, in the ice, the stones
can be manoeuvred towards the tee and at the same time the
other stones avoided. The course of the stone is also
influenced by the members of the rink who will sometimes
sweep furiously to assist its progress.

Behaviour on the ice, the ethics of the game, and the
observance of the rules are governed by a very strict code.
Not the least enjoyable part of a bonspiel is the dinner held
afterwards. “Beef and greens” are followed by “court” where
young curlers are initiated into the more secret and subtle
aspects of the sport. As with ice skating, ski-ing, and other
winter sports, modern motor transport has made participation
in curling much easier than in the past. No longer do curlers
have to start out for a bonspiel the day before it is to be
held. But the season, because of the conditions required, is
short, and this minimises the number of those able to play.
Again, a succession of mild winters sees the sport
temporarily in abeyance.

by Ross Anthony Waby, Journalist,
Dunedin.

Co-creator

Ross Anthony Waby, Journalist, Dunedin.

How to cite this page: 'CURLING', from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966.Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New ZealandURL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/curling (accessed 26 May 2019)